August 7

1 Beethoven, if a man be overtaken in a faith, | spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the | thou also be tempted

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden. 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7 Be not deceived: God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

"The man who has a true Christian spirit never takes delight in the faults of others." Does it not give you as exquisite pain to discover faults in those you love as to discover them in yourself? Do you not feel that you would give your own body and blood to save them from ruin? So ought you to feel in respect to all your fellow-men. Their burdens should be your burdens, and their sorrows your sorrows."—H. W. Beecher.

"The soul which sin has overtaken is like the bruised reed. It must be raised up gently that it may once more aspire heavenwards."—E. Bersier, D. D.

"There is much discretion to be observed in reprehension: a word will do more with some than a blow with others. A Venice glass is not to be rubbed so hard as a brazen kettle. The tender reed is more easily bowed than the sturdy oak. Christ's warfare requires no carnal weapons. Dashing storms do but destroy the seed, while gentle showers nourish it. Chariots too furiously driven may be overturned by their own violence. The word 'restore' in this verse signifies to set in joint again, and to set a dislocated bone requires the lady's hand: tenderness as well as skill. Reprehension is not an act of butchery, but of surgery. Take heed of blunting the instrument by putting too keen an edge upon it."—Archbishop Secker.

Closet Promise. - Thus saith the Lord, I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals.—Jer. ii. 2.

My Lord, dost Thou indeed remember me, Just me, the least and last? With all the names of Thy redeemed, And all Thy angels, has it seemed

As though my name might perhaps be overpassed: Yet here I find Thy word of tenderest grace, True for this moment, perfect for my case— "Thus saith Jehovah, I remember thee!" —Francis Ridley Havergal.